Jackson believes his time is coming — soon

Cubs prospect thinks he's big-league-ready, and numbers just might bear him out

January 28, 2012|By Dave van Dyck, Chicago Tribune reporter

Brett Jackson during a spring training game in 2011. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune)

Funny thing about Brett Jackson: He has been both a Cubs' savior and a Cubs' survivor — and he has only played in parts of three minor league seasons.

"Savior" because he originally was billed the franchise's face of the future as a late first-round draft choice.

"Survivor" because he has lasted through purges by the old regime and the new regime as they traded top prospects for potential talent (see Chris Archer, Robinson Chirinos, Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner).

And soon — very soon, this spring training-soon if he has his way — we will see if Brett Jackson adds Cubs' star to his resume, even some day joining Cuban free agent Yoenis Cespedes in what could be part of a dream outfield.

But that's getting ahead of things. First, Jackson has to impress his new bosses, who apparently weren't all that impressed the first time around.

That was in 2009, when Cubs President Theo Epstein and top scout Jason McLeod were with the Red Sox and drafted center fielder Reymond Fuentes 28th overall, three picks ahead of center fielder Jackson.

Fuentes, since traded to the Padres with Anthony Rizzo (who since was traded to the Cubs), never has played above Class A. Jackson hit .297 with 10 homers and 26 RBIs in 48 games at Triple-A Iowa last summer.

And now you know why MLB's ranking of top prospects lists Jackson (No. 33) and Rizzo (No. 37) as the only Cubs among the top 50.

Cubs fans aren't the only ones who can't wait for spring training in mid-February, although Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer seem in no rush to promote prospects before their time and already have a starting outfield of Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and David DeJesus.

"My approach is I have a really great opportunity and I'm going to try as hard as I can to seize it," Jackson said. "That being said, there are a lot of decisions outside my control. I think I'm big league ready and … I'm 100 percent confident in my abilities."

Jackson never has lacked for self-confidence, or free-thinking.

The Bay Area native appeared at the Cubs Convention this month with long, flowing blond hair and a beard to match, which put him in sharp contrast to bald manager Dale Sveum during their first meeting.

"We'll see what's trendy," he answered with a laugh when asked if the hair would be gone by the time he arrives in Mesa, Ariz.

The best bet is Jackson will look more like a normal 23-year-old job seeker trying to make a good first impression when pitchers and catchers report.

So what should Cubs fans expect when they finally get to see Jackson, who mostly has served as left-handed leadoff hitter in the minors but also has raw power?

"An exciting player," he replied without hesitation. "I value myself as a team player and someone who can really ignite an offense at the head of the lineup or in the middle. I'm capable of hitting for power and driving runners in, plus there's nothing like getting on base and being driven in by somebody too."

In other words, he believes he can do it all. And maybe he can.

McLeod, the man who bypassed him in the draft for the Red Sox, says the question on Jackson at Cal-Berkeley was "his overall hitting ability … but I loved his athleticism. He just looked the part (of being great). There weren't too many guys walking around who had that physical package."

The package now has matured to 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds. In his full two minor-league seasons, Jackson has shown the expected speed (51 steals) and power (32 homers, 55 doubles, 144 RBIs), but he also has struck out a lot (264 against 146 walks).

"The thing with Brett is his upside is so big because he has the strength and speed and can play defense and really throw," said McLeod, who hasn't seen Jackson play in person since college. "Ultimately, his bat is going to tell who he is, whether he's going to be a superstar or complementary player."

Jackson, who watched 2008 eighth overall pick Gordon Beckham basically skip the minors on his way to the White Sox, is itchy to start playing in Wrigley Field but realizes he has some convincing to do.

"I think everyone experiences that (anxiousness)," he said. "It's very rare that a player jumps the system. Patience is a very important part of baseball, whether it's for the opportunity to make the team or grinding out the season somewhere you don't want to be.

"The goal is to make the team but the ultimate goal is to be part of something special in Chicago. And I'll do everything in my power to prove I'm capable of it."